September 22, 2012 (Valkenburg, NED) – The Elite Women’s road race at the 2012 Road World Championships is now underway with 132 starters in sunny conditions. Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) is the defending champ but local favourite and Olympic gold medalist, Marianne Vos (Netherlands), is hoping to finally win the rainbow jersey after placing 2nd the last five times at the Road Worlds (she won in 2006). The USA’s Evelyn Stevens and Shelly Olds are keen to podium as are Great Britain riders, Emma Pooley and Nicole Cooke. Racing for Canada are Joelle Numainville, Leah Kirchmann, Karol-Ann Canuel, Lex Albrecht and Veronique Labonte… the women will complete 8 laps (16.1km) for 128.8km…

Laps 1-2
The peloton has stayed together as the Americans have been active at the front. The first lap was completed in 24:38 and then a huge crash on lap 2 took down about 30-40 riders including big names like Judith Arndt (GER). The crash caused by an Italian and Czech rider split the peloton and lots of riders are all over the road trying to catch back on… there were no serious injuries.

Crash begins here...

Crash continues...

Crash affects more riders...

Crash mayhem...

Lap 3
Vos and Pooley escaped the crash… Canada’s Numainville, Labonte and Kirchman were also clear of the carnage. Arndt is now back with the lead. Eleonora van Dijk (Ned) was caught in the crash and may be out.

The Dutch are pushing the pace at the front… along with the Germans.

The riders caught in the crash are trying to catch back on weaving in between the cars behind the lead group of about 60 riders.

Lap 4
A Dutch rider attacks… they’ll be looking to put the hurt to the other teams and test the legs of the other teams.

Now Trixi Worrack (Ger) and Kirsten Wild (Ned) bridge up and the 3 have a few seconds on the peloton.

Many riders have bridged back to the main pack… all together.

Lucinda Brand (Ned) just before the climb… the Germans and Italians are chasing. Brand is caught and now Arndt is at the front. Correction Arndt and an American have joined Brand leading the peloton.

Now 3-4 more riders have bridged to the leaders and this break looks dangerous – 6 riders are out front with Italy, Netherlands, Germany, USA, Russia. Pooley is leading the peloton and seems to have hesistated and let the break open a gap.

Lap 5
More riders have bridged to the leaders now 10-strong… the peloton is chasing them down lead by Norway.

Back together… but likely not for long.

Pooley, Vos, Stevens and Olds are all at the front… now an Australian takes the lead as the riders are strung out behind.

Up the Bemelerberg it’s groupo compacto.

The US attacks and Italy responds… it’s Amber Stevens now with 4 riders out front with a little gap.

Another rider joins them and it’s a 5-strong break with Stevens, Charlotte Becker (Ger), Rossella Ratto (Italy) a Dutch rider and an Australian – they’ve got 15s.

Now 28s gap… no Brits in the break.

An Aussie and Dutch rider now try to bridge to the break… the peloton is reacting.